Chapter 19

ARMANDO

Faces I recognized were everywhere—some more familiar than I’d like. Most of them were my enemies, but that was the thing about the families—whenever we were called to gather, we all sat together until the goal was met, then we could go right back to killing each other another day. It was one of the unspoken rules, a part of the life we lived.

Knowing that, and knowing I’d be surrounded by these same enemies, was exactly why I showed up tonight. I liked keeping my enemies close because watching and reading them always gave me an edge—that way there were no surprises. If I could find even the smallest clue as to who was sabotaging my business tonight, I’d be out of here the minute I got it.

After Don Alessio greeted me and moved on, I started to make my way around the room with my head held high. I was a powerful man in a room full of powerful men, and I carried myself like it. Nothing about my demeanor would suggest I was worried or suspicious, even though I was watching ever